I came across a unique final part (maybe 3/4 inch) of the bolt throw mechanism in the Enfield which some consider a good thing - allowing a faster cartridge change. Any truth here?

Is the Enfield just not a very desirable gun to own? Is it more of a wall hanging piece?
This particular one that I've seen is pretty nice looking - no refinishing and not overly beatup - but rather looking like a well cared for infantryman's battle rifle - showing some field usage.

The triggers I have snapped were highly unpredictable. They did not have a solid predictable feel. I know your trigger break should be "a surprise", but these took a surprise to a new level.

The rear locking lugs allow the action to "stretch". When it stretches, the headspace grows. It can reach dangerous levels. The replacement bolt heads are thicker and take up that extra space.

The Enfield action is renowned as being fast to manipulate. The Brits could put a lot of lead down range in a hurry, far surpassing the rate of fire with Mauser actions. For precise shots the Mauser is superior, ask a Boer.

__________________
In life, strive to take the high road....It offers a better field of fire.
"Robo is right" Fuzzball

Many of the '98 actioned Mausers in 7x57mm were for South American countries. To my knowledge none of the European nations who were involved in the World Wars used 7x57mm '98 actioned rifles.

Spain did have '93 and '95 Mausers as well as 1916 Mausers in 7x57mm, but as someone else said, these are small ring Mausers, and not quite as robust as the '98s.

If the OP is really interested in these rifles as far as WWII history goes, neither is likely to be significant in that regard. Enfield MkIII and No. 4 rifles would be primary, along with some No. 5 carbines, in .303 British.

For Mausers, the '98s in 8mm would be the primary players.

If you want something that reflects Mauser or Enfield history in South America or India then these may be fine. They can be good shooters if you limit your ammo to that of similar pressures that they originally shot.

The triggers I have snapped were highly unpredictable. They did not have a solid predictable feel. I know your trigger break should be "a surprise", but these took a surprise to a new level.

The rear locking lugs allow the action to "stretch". When it stretches, the headspace grows. It can reach dangerous levels. The replacement bolt heads are thicker and take up that extra space.

The Enfield action is renowned as being fast to manipulate. The Brits could put a lot of lead down range in a hurry, far surpassing the rate of fire with Mauser actions. For precise shots the Mauser is superior, ask a Boer.

If there were any Brits left from The Boer war, he should ask them!! They had their @sses handed to them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSGN_Doc

Many of the '98 actioned Mausers in 7x57mm were for South American countries. To my knowledge none of the European nations who were involved in the World Wars used 7x57mm '98 actioned rifles.

Spain did have '93 and '95 Mausers as well as 1916 Mausers in 7x57mm, but as someone else said, these are small ring Mausers, and not quite as robust as the '98s.

If the OP is really interested in these rifles as far as WWII history goes, neither is likely to be significant in that regard. Enfield MkIII and No. 4 rifles would be primary, along with some No. 5 carbines, in .303 British.

For Mausers, the '98s in 8mm would be the primary players.

If you want something that reflects Mauser or Enfield history in South America or India then these may be fine. They can be good shooters if you limit your ammo to that of similar pressures that they originally shot.

If the rifle is indeed in 7x57 and made by Mauser it is a great rifle. The 1909
is a vg rifle. The actions are still sought after to build custom rifles.

__________________
Freedom is not free. The best of us always leave too soon.

Many of the '98 actioned Mausers in 7x57mm were for South American countries. To my knowledge none of the European nations who were involved in the World Wars used 7x57mm '98 actioned rifles.

Spain did have '93 and '95 Mausers as well as 1916 Mausers in 7x57mm, but as someone else said, these are small ring Mausers, and not quite as robust as the '98s.

If the OP is really interested in these rifles as far as WWII history goes, neither is likely to be significant in that regard. Enfield MkIII and No. 4 rifles would be primary, along with some No. 5 carbines, in .303 British.

For Mausers, the '98s in 8mm would be the primary players.

If you want something that reflects Mauser or Enfield history in South America or India then these may be fine. They can be good shooters if you limit your ammo to that of similar pressures that they originally shot.

Good post. I would like to have a '98. The action is common to many sporting rifles, and for good reason. So if I wanted something historical and different I would and did choose an Enfield. Removing and replacing the bolt gives you that little extra historic rush. Very minor point, but I like it!

__________________
"...from my cold dead hands" Charlton Heston & NRA
"He which hath no stomach to this fight,/ Let him depart." Henry V
Its the size of the hole & where you put it.

Try to find a m24/47 yugo mauser for 200 dollars or less. For the price you just cant go wrong. 8mm if you reload it yourself performs just as well as 30-06 and they make darn good truck guns. It's almost impossible to buy a modern day hunting rifle built as well as an old mauser.

If there were any Brits left from The Boer war, he should ask them!! They had their @sses handed to them.

If the rifle is indeed in 7x57 and made by Mauser it is a great rifle. The 1909
is a vg rifle. The actions are still sought after to build custom rifles.

I would love to find a 1909 in 7x57. I like the 98 action and also really like the 7mm round when it can be loaded a bit hot. In a 98 action it could be loaded more to its potential. With lower pressure factory loads it is a fairly gentle shooter.

I appreciate you guys' advice.
It sounds like both of these guns have some significance - though maybe the Mauser more.
The $375 price seems a little high, although I realize that you can't buy a whole lot for a lot less than that. Seems like $300 is the breakpoint for any kind of quality firearms today. But old guns... it's the old thing of ... ya gotta find the right buyer...

Most M98's were 7.92mm same as the MG42's so that you could use the same ammo.
So 8mm ammo was used in these(8x57mm JS) but be careful as there's 2 types of 8mm ammo to be used so get it checked by a gunsmith 1st.

The .303's were the common round in most SMLE'S with some being converted to .308 in later years and used in Korea and VietNam but with the advent of the SLR in 7.62 Nato the .308 Enfield basically disappeared from the military scene.
The .308 converted Enfields actually ended up being used in Australia for target shooting and were very successful both here and in competition against the Brits in the Queen's Shoot competitions using an Australian barrel made in South Australia under the name "OMARK".
Hope some of this is useful info,regards

Ishipores have gone up over time. They tend to be in good condition and that's probably a fine price for a cool chambering -- .303 surplus has largely dried up. I'd have loved another bargain but shall remain satisfied with just a spare original 12-rnd. mag -- that's what it should have. Mausers come in all conditions. 8mm's basically dried up except for alot Yugo. Luckily 7x57 is a GREAT caliber which I'd prefer...